. . "The Nam Ou (Laotian: \u0E99\u0EC9\u0EB3\u0EAD\u0EB9 [n\u00E2\u02D0m \u00F9\u02D0], literally: \"rice bowl river\") is one of the most important rivers of Laos. It runs 448 km from Phongsaly Province to Luang Prabang Province[1]. Along with the Mekong, the Nam Ou is the only natural channel suitable for large-draft boat transportation. Near its confluence with the Mekong are the Pak Ou Caves, famous for their Buddha statues."@en .